Ticket sales continue with great speed, increasing day by day as we get nearer to the opening night next Monday. Our two casts are ready to go and new costume fittings have been completed. We have a great treat in store.

​Here are some more comments from Falmouth to spur you on to a second viewing:

"The first night was sparkling with excitement from both the Company and audience."

One opera aficionado in particular was full of compliments , saying he could hear every word from both chorus and soloists; much better than the ENO he had been to!

Lovely appreciative comments from the Friday audience on their way out, enthusing: "the best for years", how much they had "enjoyed every moment". Some were coming the following night as well as they had enjoyed it so much!

The next morning a FODO member phoned to say she had been to 17 Traviatas all over the country / world and this was the best!

Similar comments were expressed on the Saturday night. “Thank you for inspiring and enthusing our FODO members to keep supporting our fund raising efforts, enabling us to give you a substantial cheque towards future productions. "

​Can I add that we really appreciate all the support, financial and otherwise, that we receive from our Friends (FODO) and we are so glad that you enjoyed yourselves so much.

​The cast and crew were delighted to be treated to champagne in the bar afterwards by our President John Nettles, who also gives us great support. Thank you John!

​The opera world resounds with tales of bribery and corruption but fortunately such tactics were not needed by Duchy Opera in persuading P&J Print (Newquay) to halt their imminent print run of 4000 programmes for an urgent edit.A demanding schedule of performances of Verdi’s much-loved opera La Traviata at the Minack Theatre necessitates double casting the leading roles but when one of the designated Violettas suddenly had to withdraw from th...e role last Monday consternation ensued. Director of the show, Penzance-born Richard Jackson, with his connections as teacher in the main London Music Colleges, pulled out all the stops and to the delight of all concerned succeeded in engaging Alinka Kozári for this demanding role. Hungarian born soprano Alinka, now resident in the UK, is a graduate of the Franz Liszt Music Academy, Budapest and the National Opera Studio, London and made her début in the role of Violetta for Iford Arts Festival in summer 2013, also singing the role with Diva Opera in France and in Drapers’ Hall, London. La Traviata will also be performed in Falmouth’s Princess Pavillion on June 9th & 10th when leading local soprano Cheryl Brendish will be singing the role of Violetta , sharing it with Alinka at the Minack (July 3rd – 7th). Falmouth Tickets are available from www.crbo.co.uk/duchyopera 01726 879500; Minack tickets: www.minack.com 01736 810181

Verdi : LA TRAVIATAVerdi’s heart-breaking tale of love and tragedy,La Traviata, comes to the Princess Pavilion Falmouth on June 9/10th, and the Minack on July 3rd-7th, with a brand new production by Duchy Opera.

A thrilling cast of soloists, with chorus and orchestra, retell how Violetta, the fallen woman of the title, finds true love only to lose it through misunderstanding and deception.

This will be a fully staged and costumed traditional production directed by Richard Jackson ( director of our acclaimed 2014 "The Elixir of Love"). Musical Director : Paul Drayton.

Great rehearsal at Duchy last night for the May 4th Minack concert. Soloists were in good form, chorus sounded glorious and conductor Paul seemed quite pleased! Nice to have Anthony Trodd on piano - can't wait to hear the full orchestra as well.

Excited to get an email from the Minack Theatre today and to see that TICKETS for our Puccini evening, featuring Duchy Opera chorus and soloists, with the added attractions ofJohn Nettles - NarratorJohn Treleaven - Cornish born, internationally feted tenor soloistare now on sale.

The Message from the Minack:

The Box Office opens on Monday . . . and the team are poised and ready to go! Minack has another great season in store with loads to look forward to.

Our phone lines will open at 10am on Monday January 26 but please don't worry if you can't get through immediately. For the first few hours the phone lines are usually full but there are thousands of tickets available and we never sell out of any shows in the first month!